Tag: foodie

I had been waiting for this day for over a year y’all! The first vegan soul food place in Houston, Texas, and what better place to put it than in 3rd ward on Emancipation Ave.? The grand opening was at 12, but was pushed to 12:30. I was the fourth person in line. As I was about to place my order, I saw the line go around the building and down the street. When I say the community showed up, we showed up.

I ordered the Soul Food Vegan Platter (cauliflower steak, greens, mac n cheese, and dirty rice), strawberry watermelon sea moss lemonade and a brownie. When I say it did not disappoint. The flavors were rich. Honestly, all that was missing was some cornbread.

The restaurant itself is quaint and not really a place to gather with a large group, however, Emancipation Park is directly across the street, so you can get your food to go and eat in the park. Service was friendly and fast. The place was clean and there was ample parking. For me, besides the food and service, parking is always my biggest thing. If there isn’t convenient parking, I’m less likely to return. I got there early so I was able to park in front of the door.

This restaurant is something that is needed, especially in the community that it’s located. I love that so many of us showed up and wanted to eat vegan food. Just because it’s vegan, doesn’t mean it doesn’t taste good. I’m hoping that people left there and wanted to change their lifestyles. If I wasn’t already vegan, I believe they would’ve converted me because that food tastes like the food I grew up on.

If you live in Houston and the surrounding areas, or you’re visiting, stop by 2901 Emancipation Ave and get you some vegan soul food.

Hands down the best soup I’ve ever tasted. My mom sent me a link on FB and I had all of the ingredients except for the sweet potatoes and coconut milk (I always choose the coconut milk with the fat). This is not my own recipe but I did alter it by leaving out the red chilies (didn’t want any heat). Click here for the recipe.

As a breastfeeding mother, I am adamant about breakfast. Actually, as a person period. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it’s also when I’m the most creative. I start my day with a large protein smoothie. Then I have oatmeal by itself, with toast, or like in the photo, a breakfast platter.

I loved omelettes before I was vegan and I was happy to learn I can still have them, minus the cholesterol, abuse, and consumption of another animal. For the omelette, I used 1/4 c garbanzo bean flour, 1/3 c water, mushrooms, Field Roast tomato cayenne chao cheese, pink salt, nutritional yeast, and fresh basil. I mix all of those together in a bowl and then poured it into a skillet with hot grape seed oil (oil is important or it will stick). I then topped it with avocado, salsa, and vegan ranch (I use the Hampton Creek Just brand). For a full meal, I added power greens, Sweet Earth hickory and sage bacon, and oatmeal (great for breastfeeding so I have it every morning).

One of the things I want to be better about this year is joining Meetup groups and actually going to the Meetups. I have been apart of the Black Vegans of Houston for two years now, since the last Vegfest in Houston. I hade never been to any of the events and I could kick myself for not going.

We met at a restaurant called Adair Kitchen. It is located near the Galleria on San Felipe. The first thing that threw me was that there was a huge pig on the sign. I was very confused as to why we were meeting here but it wasn’t at all that bad.

The atmosphere is very friendly. The staff was also very attentive and knowledgeable about items on the menu that could be made vegan. I ordered the super food bowl w/ a black bean patty. It was literally like an orgasm in my mouth. My taste buds were jumping up and down from joy. The flavors of the black bean patty mixed with the kale, almonds, cucumbers, tomatoes, brown rice, pecans and everything else in it, were just wonderful.

As it gets later they dim the lights and it becomes more intimate and personal. I will definitely be going back. Now one of the other members of the group, got the same bowl as me but hers had bacon in it and I found that odd. They knew we were a vegan group, and the dish didn’t have bacon in it. So I am not sure how they got bacon in it.

Now the company was amazing and we had great conversations. It was nice to be able to meet other Black vegans/wannabe vegans since I only know of two that live here in Houston. I will definitely be going to more Meetups in the future.

I gave the restaurant 4* because of the bacon mishap. Even though it did not happen to me, the fact that it happened and could happen again in the future, kind of makes me more conscious about when I go back. If you are in the Houston area or are going to visit, I recommend the restaurant, vegan and non.

The C.E.O

Moniqua Lashae is a vegan, minimalist, author, blogger, black educator, freelancer, mommy, YouTuber, entrepreneur and working to become a health and nutrition consultant. She has a BA in journalism and a passion for writing. Join her as she shares information and offers beneficial services. Take a look around and feel free to inquire about services or ask questions.
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